Class of 1966 member Tom Hyder represented his fellow alums during this year’s senior academic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. The group presented Class of 2016 member Wilber Parada with a $1,966 a year ago, but after the Class of 1966 held its 50th reunion and all bills had been paid, organizers determined extra funds existed. A decision to award a second consecutive scholarship was made.

Huntington Class of 2017 member
Ana Luna-Mancia.

Ms. Luna-Mancia is headed to Adelphi University. She hasn’t decided upon an academic major. The teenager was named a Distinguished Senior last spring after earning at least a 90 academic grade average during every semester of high school.

Hardworking, persistent and determined, Ms. Luna-Mancia has been a high achiever for many years. She also found time to volunteer, join clubs and play sports. A member of the Italian Honor Society, the teenager was one of only 20 Class of 2017 members to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.

“The New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English,” according to the State Education Department.

Modest, self-disciplined and willing to sacrifice to obtain her goals, Ms. Luna-Mancia captured the respect of her teachers and classmates. Well prepared for all of her classes, she was an active participant in discussions and always had something valuable to offer.

The Class of 1966 held its 50th reunion late last September at the Huntington Country Club. It included dinner, dancing and socializing over a five hour period. The Class of 1966 scholarship was presented by the alums as a way of “paying back and paying forward” to the Huntington community.